Ducks still lack power-play threat

ANAHEIM – It took a blowout loss in their season opener to snap the Ducks into action, and they’ve put their game in order to reel off four straight victories since.

The Ducks have scored 10 goals in two one-sided wins to start their five-game homestand and have averaged more than four goals during their streak. Now if only they had a power play that had any shred of potency.

Nick Bonino has the Ducks’ only power-play goal in 21 chances with the man advantage and their 4.8 percent conversion rate puts them in 30th, at the bottom of the NHL.

The silver lining is the season is early and the Ducks haven’t had to rely on it. But the lack of success brought forth a matter-of-fact assessment from Coach Bruce Boudreau.

“It stinks right now,” he said.

Boudreau was quick to point out the positive signs that were shown by the power-play units Sunday in a 4-1 win over Ottawa. The Ducks had 16 of their team-record 56 shots on goal with the man advantage and nearly finished several chances.

Someone still has to occupy the bottom of the statistics and the Ducks have that spot at the moment. It is a surprise considering the skill on their roster and a power play that has ranked in the top four in two of the last three seasons.

“We don’t like the number we’re at,” Boudreau said. “We don’t like where we are in the league standings on that. And we definitely want to improve on it. But I think we’re in the right direction.

“We’re getting good opportunities and if you get good opportunities, eventually they’re going to go in.”

The flip side is the Ducks are flourishing in five-on-five play as they’ve got 15 goals at even strength comparing to allowing only six.

HILLER GOES BACK TO BACK

Jonas Hiller is the first of the two Ducks goalies to make consecutive starts and the veteran has responded with a shutout and 64 saves in 65 shots faced.

Now Boudreau is faced with a decision. Stay with a hot goalie or make sure that Viktor Fasth gets work. Fasth has made two starts but his last one was 10 days ago against Winnipeg.

“It’s a question in my mind,” Boudreau said. “What should I do that best benefits the team? And (Jonas) has been very sharp. I’ll talk to Roli (goaltending consultant Dwayne Roloson) and we’ll discuss it.

“We’ll let both goalies know what’s happening for the next one or two games.”